UK pioneers new aircraft testing method

LONDON – British experts are developing a new method for testing critical components of aircraft that will make air travel safer and cheaper.

A team of experts led by Professor Jie Tong, an aerospace mechanics expert at the University of Portsmouth is to develop state-of-the-art computer modeling programs that will reveal how aircraft components react under the stresses of flying, according to a press release issued by the University on Monday.

The team would use novel experimental and computational methods to create a comprehensive computer modeling program that will show in detail how the components react under stress.

This work will not only improve air safety, but also reduce the maintenance cost, which means cheaper and safer air travel for all, Tong said.